A remarkable giant sapphire, touted as the largest of its kind globally, has been unveiled, potentially valued at a staggering $300 million (£224m). The Purple Star Sapphire, weighing an impressive 3,563 carats, was showcased in Colombo, Sri Lanka, by its owners who are now open to selling the exceptional gem named “Star of Pure Land.” Renowned gemologist Ashan Amarasinghe confirmed it as the largest documented natural purple star sapphire, highlighting its unique six-ray asterism.
Star sapphires are highly sought after for their star-like pattern and purple variants are exceedingly rare. The gemstone, polished and owned by the anonymous Star of Pure Land Team, was discovered near Rathnapura in 2023, a renowned gem-rich area in Sri Lanka. After realizing its value post-purchase, the gem underwent official verification by two laboratories, affirming its rarity and size.
International valuation experts estimate the sapphire’s value between $300 million and $400 million (£224 million and £298 million), positioning it among the most valuable gemstones globally. Sri Lanka’s reputation for high-quality sapphires, known for their vibrant colors and natural brilliance, adds to the gem’s allure. With the gem world abuzz, the unveiling of the Star of Pure Land could spark one of the most expensive gemstone sales in history.
The gemstone industry has seen a surge in attention towards extraordinary jewels in recent times. In 2025, The Regent Kashmir blue sapphire set a record price of $9.5 million (£7m) at an auction in Hong Kong. Notably, Guinness World Records acknowledged two colossal stones: The Black Star of Eva, a 3,621-carat black star sapphire, and The Eye of Hope, an 854.95-carat green beryl cat’s eye from Madagascar, valued at over $500 million (£373m) collectively.
The demand for investment-grade gemstones has been evident in recent auctions, with exceptional pieces like the Sunrise Ruby fetching over $30 million (£22.4m). Rare colored stones, including a Brazilian alexandrite and high-carat gems, continue to captivate collectors and enthusiasts alike, showcasing the enduring fascination with unique and valuable gemstones.